‘Avoid eating out, especially paneer, cheese and rice’: Doctor warns as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases continue to spike

In the caption of the video posted on Instagram, she wrote, “One major cause is gastroenteritis due to a bacteria Campylobacter jejuni. Although there are many other causes, this is the one that you all should be aware of because this is one cause that we can avoid.”

Dr Sehrawat also stressed, “Avoid eating out, especially paneer, cheese and rice as they are more prone to having bacterial growth if not taken care of properly.”

So, how can contaminated food and water contribute to the development of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant surgical gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Contaminated food and water can be a major trigger for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) because they can harbour harmful bacteria, particularly Campylobacter jejuni, which is strongly linked to the condition. When a person consumes contaminated food or drinks unclean water, they may develop a gastrointestinal infection, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover from such infections without complications, in some cases, the immune system reacts abnormally.” 

He adds, “The bacteria contain molecules that mimic certain components of nerve cells, which can confuse the body’s defense mechanisms. As the immune system fights off the infection, it may mistakenly attack the nervous system, leading to inflammation and damage to the peripheral nerves. This can result in muscle weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis — hallmarks of GBS.”

 

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A post shared by Dr.Priyanka Sehrawat (@docpriyankasehrawat) 

Most effective ways to prevent bacterial contamination in foods like paneer, cheese, and rice

Preventing bacterial contamination in foods like paneer, cheese, and rice requires strict hygiene measures, stresses Dr Srinivasan. “Dairy-based products such as paneer and cheese are particularly prone to contamination if made from unpasteurised milk or stored improperly. It is important to ensure that these products come from reliable sources that follow proper hygiene protocols. Refrigeration is crucial, as bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Consuming fresh paneer and cheese and avoiding those sold in open markets where hygiene cannot be guaranteed can help reduce the risk of infection,” he states.

Rice is another high-risk food if not stored properly. Dr Srinivasan explains that when cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long, it becomes a breeding ground for Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. “It is advisable to refrigerate leftover rice promptly and reheat it thoroughly before consumption. Eating rice from unregulated street vendors, where food may have been left exposed for long hours, should be avoided.”

Other foods to avoid eating outside

Dr Srinivasan informs, “Other foods that pose a high risk of bacterial contamination when eaten outside include raw salads, cut fruits, and undercooked meat and seafood. These foods may be washed with unclean water or stored in unhygienic conditions, increasing the likelihood of foodborne infections. To minimise the risk, it is best to opt for freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked meals and drink only filtered or boiled water when dining outside.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.